#ourCOG Daily Brief [May 3, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for May 3, 2026.

In U.S. news today, millions are set to see higher student loan payments, compounding the rise in gas, food, and healthcare costs. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 was celebrated in Joliet, Illinois, with a special baseball game honoring the roots of prison-yard baseball, and a new kids’ show called ‘Wowsabout’ is bringing Muppets to the national parks. Immigrant advocates have filed a lawsuit challenging Trump administration policies after some individuals were pulled from their naturalization ceremonies. Congress also concluded its session by ending the Department of Homeland Security shutdown and passing other bills before a short break. On the world stage, landlords are seeking compensation through a federal lawsuit for losses incurred during pandemic eviction moratoriums. The U.S. is set to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany in the coming months, a move the German defense minister acknowledges was anticipated. Lastly, Beijing is reportedly studying Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for insights into a potential blockade of the Taiwan Strait.

Looking ahead to our video lineup, you can catch ‘When Heaven Breaks the Silence 050326,’ mark your calendars for the ‘International Praise Church Men’s Health Awareness June 5-6, 2026’ event at 5071 Percival Rd. Elgin, SC 29045, and remember ‘Sunday Service | Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST | citylife church’ for your weekly worship.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re tracking stories like ‘Hundreds Attend Smoky Mountain Gathering,’ the ‘ECFA Applauds House Vote on Clergy Act,’ ‘Executive Council Completes April Session,’ and the opening of the ‘First Christian Startup School.’

In prophecy news, a recent discussion asks if we need a ‘Third Testament’ to complement or replace the Old and New Testaments, referencing a United Church of Christ pastor’s views. Other headlines include the Trump Justice Department launching investigations into 36 Illinois school districts regarding alleged LGBT indoctrination, former President Trump’s promise to release ‘a lot of things’ on UFOs to the public, and a former senior COVID advisor to Anthony Fauci being charged with conspiracy against the United States for allegedly evading Freedom of Information Act requests related to COVID research grants.

Finally, in Jewish history, today, May 4th, reminds us of King Henry I of France, born in 1008, whose reign overlapped with the birth of the famed Jewish scholar Rashi. Fast forward to 1287, a dark day when Jews in England were arrested and falsely accused of “clipping” coinage. Despite no evidence, the entire community was convicted and faced expulsion, only to pay a substantial ransom. This event proved to be a critical prelude to the eventual 1290 expulsion of Jews from medieval England, a community already drained of its wealth over a century by various monarchs.